The room felt smaller, the air heavier. Lucian sat chained, glaring at every face around him, but his usual arrogance wavered slightly. He had underestimated them. He had thought fear and secrecy would keep his empire intact.

Maria Hart stood beside Alina, her eyes cold and calculating. Helena hovered near the monitors, her fingers lightly brushing the keyboard, ready to cross-reference every detail. Ares and Atlas flanked Lucian like predators, ready for any sudden move.

Ares’ voice ...